Founded in the mid-17th century, Zen’yō-ji stands out among Tokyo's temples with its fascinating blend of East Asian, Southeast Asian, and Indian religious influences. Visitors approach via stone steps guarded by mythological Korean haetae to find Chinese-style architecture, a golden Buddha, and an unusually visible statue of the Hindu deity Ganesha. The peaceful grounds are dominated by a massive 800-year-old Japanese nutmeg-yew tree, rooted in local crab folklore and ritually treated with sake and beer by monks each winter. It is a wonderfully offbeat and serene destination for travelers eager to experience a broader tapestry of Asian spiritual art.
- Temples
- Buddhism
- Sacred Spaces
- Mythology
- Historic Trees
- Sculpture
Swipe more in Tokyo
tryJP is a swipe deck for Japan places — save spots you like and plan a route.
Open tryJP